Configuring Taxes for Canadian Sites/Zones

You might find this helpful ... it needs a bit of touching-up, but the basic core is there:
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** THE CONTENTS OF THIS ARTICLE ARE RELEASED UNDER GPL and CREATIVE COMMONS ***

Vendors operating in Canada need to accommodate numerous tax configurations to support proper tax collection on sales to customers in provinces where they are registered to sell.
There's a Federal GST, HST, and provincial PST/RST.

Tax Zones / Rates configuration can be a little confusing at times, as the terms are easily and accidentally swapped ... by mistake... thus it's sometimes hard to follow the process through completely.

Hopefully this short article will help clarify.
Some contents originally written by Peter Mosier
Revised for clarity by DrByte

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Understanding Terminology
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TAX CLASS = A setting assigned to PRODUCTS and to SHIPPING that's used to calculate final taxes.
TAX ZONE = A regional setting used to help determine tax rates by geography.
TAX RATE = A rate calculated by combining a product's tax class and shipping zone with the relevant tax percentage.

Zen Cart uses SHIPPING ADDRESS to determine appropriate taxes, i.e. which TAX ZONE you are shipping into. NOTE: this is the shipping address, and *NOT* the billing address.

A TAX RATE is determined by comparing SHIPPING ADDRESS to the Tax ZONE set up for the TAX RATE; and also by Tax Class assigned to each product.

You can only assign ONE TAX CLASS to a product.
In many stores, you will only have one TAX CLASS (GST/HST/PST) since all goods are either taxable or non-taxable.
When would you use different rates? One example would be if, say, CLOTHES were taxed at a different rate than BOOKS which are in turn different from DVDs. You could create a different TAX CLASS for each family ("class") of product in that case.

In the following examples, we will be dealing with only ONE tax CLASS for products.
You likely want the GST for SHIPPING to show up separately, so we will make a separate "TAX CLASS" for "GST on Shipping".

In Zen Cart you can set it to split out your taxes to show on separate lines on the customer's order/invoice/receipt.
Or you can have it add all taxes together and just show tax as one subtotal on a single line.

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Best part is: IT DOESN'T REQUIRE ANY CONTRIBUTIONS!!!!!
Just a careful setup of the zones.
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Step-by-Step SETUP:
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STEP (1): Set the location for your store:

Configuration --> My Store

- Country: Canada
- Zone: Ontario

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STEP (2): Create the "Tax Zones". The are geographical regions where a particular set of tax laws applies

[FONT="Courier New"]Locations/Taxes --> Zones Definitions[/FONT]

Create the Zone for all of Canada
- Zone Name: Canada GST Zone
- Description: GST (except HST Zones)

Now click on the newly created "Canada GST Zone" row to drill down one level to "Sub Zones"
Click INSERT to create 8 new sub-zones, one at a time:

- Country: Canada; Zone: Alberta
- Country: Canada; Zone: Manitoba
- Country: Canada; Zone: Northwest Territories
- Country: Canada; Zone: Nunavut
- Country: Canada; Zone: Prince Edward Island
- Country: Canada; Zone: Quebec
- Country: Canada; Zone: Saskatchewan
- Country: Canada; Zone: Yukon Territory


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Click on "BACK" to go up one level.
Now create the Ontario HST Zone:
Click Insert

- Zone Name: Ontario HST Zone
- Description: HST (only when shipping to Ontario)

Now click on the newly created "Ontario HST Zone" row to drill down one level to "Sub Zones"
Click INSERT to create new sub-zone:

- Country: Canada
- Zone: Ontario

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Click on "BACK" to go up one level.
Now create the BC HST Zone:
Click Insert

- Zone Name: BC PST Zone
- Description: PST (only when shipping to BC)

Now click on the newly created "BC PST Zone" row to drill down one level to "Sub Zones"
Click INSERT to create new sub-zone:

- Country: Canada
- Zone: British Columbia

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Click on "BACK" to go up one level.
Now create the Maritimes HST Tax Zone:
Click Insert

- Zone Name: Eastern Canada - HST Zone
- Description: NS, NB, NL, PE

Now click on the newly created "Eastern Canada - HST Zone" row to drill down one level to "Sub Zones"
Click INSERT to create new sub-zone:

- Country: Canada; Zone: Nova Scotia
- Country: Canada; Zone: New Brunswick
- Country: Canada; Zone: Newfoundland
- Country: Canada; Zone: PEI

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Do NOT create a separate Tax ZONE for Shipping. You will simply use the "Canada" tax zone for the GST Shipping tax CLASS (below).

*** Important: this means that SHIPPING GST will only be charged to destinations within Canada, but NOT charged on exports. According to Canada Customs & Revenue Agency (1-800-959-5525), you do *NOT* charge GST on the shipping fee for EXPORTS.

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STEP (3): Create the "Tax Classes"

Note: You can only assign ONE Tax CLASS to a product.
But since we want shipping GST to show up separately, we will make a separate Tax CLASS just for shipping.

Locations/Taxes --> Tax Classes

create TWO (2) tax classes:

- Tax Class Title: GST/HST/PST Class
- Description: All taxable goods

- Tax Class Title: GST on Shipping
- Description: GST on shipping within Canada

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STEP (4): TAX RATES

Here is where it all comes together: Tax Rates.
Tax RATES associate Tax ZONES & Tax CLASSES to determine the correct Tax Rate.

HINT: The "DESCRIPTION" is what shows up on the invoice, so use it judiciously!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Locations/Taxes --> Tax Rates

create SEVERAL Tax Rates:

- Tax Class Title: GST/PST/HST Class
- Zone: Canada GST Zone
- Tax Rate (%): 5.0000
- Description: 5.0% GST#99999 99999 RT0001
- Priority: 1

/*HINT: Insert your Tax Number (RST) as part of DESCRIPTION and it will show up on invoice !!!


- Tax Class Title: GST/PST/HST Class /* HINT: Yes, this is the same one you just used
- Zone: Ontario HST Zone
- Tax Rate (%): 13.0000
- Description: 13.0% HST (Ontario)
- Priority: 1
/*HINT: Insert your Tax Number (RST) as part of DESCRIPTION and it will show up on invoice !!!

- Tax Class Title: GST/PST/HST Class /* HINT: Yes, this is the same one you just used
- Zone: Eastern Canada - HST Zone
- Tax Rate (%): 15.0000
- Description: 15% HST#R99999 9999 RT0001
- Priority: 1
/*HINT: Insert your Tax Number (RST) as part of DESCRIPTION and it will show up on invoice !!!


Repeat as necessary for the various provinces in which you are registered.


That takes care of taxes on products. And now, the Shipping taxes:

- Tax Class Title: GST Shipping Class
- Zone: Canada GST Zone
- Tax Rate (%): 5.0000
- Description: 5.0% GST on shipping
- Priority: 1

- Tax Class Title: GST Shipping Class
- Zone: Ontario HST Zone
- Tax Rate (%): 13.0000
- Description: 13% shipping HST#99999 9999 RT0001
- Priority: 1

- Tax Class Title: GST Shipping Class
- Zone: Eastern Canada - HST Zone
- Tax Rate (%): 15.0000 (Contact your local revenue office for correct percentage!)
- Description: 15% shipping HST#99999 9999 RT0001
- Priority: 1

(Repeat if you have are registered for specific provinces with other tax rates for shipping)

/* HINT: The above will calculate PST on shipping. Although there might
/* be a tendency to think of shipping as a PST exempt service, in fact
/* the Ontario Ministry of Finance says that for calculating the PST,
/* "The total selling price includes delivery, mailing, transportation, or
/* handling charges, but does not include the GST". With the above set-up,
/* the PST for the shipping gets calculated (albeit separately).
/* If you wanted them calculated together, you could assign "GST/PST/HST Class"
/* as the Tax Class when setting up the shipping method.
/* Personally, I prefer to break it out separately.

========================================================

STEP (5): Specify the appropriate Tax Class for SHIPPING MODULES

MODULES --> SHIPPING

Edit whichever shipping module(s) you are using.

Tax Class: GST Shipping Class

/* SEE PREVIOUS HINT

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STEP (6): Specify the appropriate Tax for PRODUCTS

This may take some time....

CATALOG --> Categories/Products

Drill down to each product. Click EDIT

TAX CLASS: "GST/PST/HST CLASS"


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The following SQL statement would be helpful:
--------

Code:

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UPDATE products SET products_tax_class_id = 1 WHERE products_model NOT LIKE 'GIFT%';

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(you'd need to confirm that the desired products_tax_class_id = 1, first )
========================================================

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Example Output:
===============

Shipping to Ontario:

Sub-Total: $69.00
Per Item (Best Way): $10.00
13.0% HST (Ontario) RST #99999 9999 RT0001: $8.97
13.0% HST (shipping): $ 1.30
Total: $89.27

Shipping to Canada, but to a zone where *only* GST applies:
Sub-Total: $69.00
Per Item (Best Way): $10.00
5.0% GST # 99999 9999 RT0001: $ 3.45
5.0% GST (shipping): $ 0.50
Total: $82.95

Shipping to non-Canada (tax exempt) zone:
Sub-Total: $69.00
Per Item (Best Way): $10.00
Total: $79.00

Thanks alot, should help me out alot!

Ya...this is pretty good...and a bit tricky...thanks a lot for your time with this.

Great info. Thanks. Very helpful.
Cheers.

What do you if one of the things your store sells is books - which are not PST-taxable (at least, not in Ontario)? You can't charge all taxes on everything if some of your products are not supposed to be taxed the PST... :(

Create an additional Tax Class called "GST Only".
Create a new tax rate for "GST Only" and set the tax rate for it.
Then edit the book products and set their tax class to "GST Only"

Do I create it just for the Canada GST zone, or for that and the HST zone, or what? I'm presuming I don't set it for the PST zone, since then it would add it to whatever's set for the GST zone, right?

That depends on your tax-collection requirements for your business.
I'd check with your tax accountant about who to charge.
I think I'd be inclined to link it to the Canada GST Zone

i just followed the instructions and i'm getting gst + pst + gst again on my end totals

i wonder what's wrong


and on my shipping i'm getting GST + GST + PST



yeah i'm lost on this one as soon as i make the gst tax rate it doubles it up at the checkstand



as soon as i deleted the subzone manitoba it worked like a charm

sorry for another post but i just wanted to let everyone know that i had canada allzones et-up so it would double up the gst everytime another zone would come up.

got rid of the all zones and all the subzones worked fine

Is there no way to separate the GST and PST onto two separate lines?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sae

Is there no way to separate the GST and PST onto two separate lines?

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Not built-in at the present time.

Just an update for everyone, as of yesterday (July 1st, Canada Day) our GST will be reduced to 6%. Google turned up this quick link: http://sbinfocanada.about.com/b/a/257235.htm

go figure, I'd only find this out after I've already configured for 7% just yesterday, HA!

Ya, I changed mine.

Hello,

Any idea how taxes are configured if the store / business is in Ontario, and it ships to both within Canada and the US? It appears to me that since the sale goes outside of Canada no GST/PST/HST is charged.


thank you,

Daniel

I charge tax to everyone (but I am expecting to have all my sales within Canada).

You can do what you are describing by "zones" Set up a US zone and a Canada zone. Then apply the tax only to the Canada Zone.

Hey Canadians!


just a tip, as of july 1, 2006, Canadian GST is reduced to 6 percent. Dont forget to change your stores.

--Ben

Quote:

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Originally Posted by grossd

Hello,

Any idea how taxes are configured if the store / business is in Ontario, and it ships to both within Canada and the US? It appears to me that since the sale goes outside of Canada no GST/PST/HST is charged.


thank you,

Daniel

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Daniel, the general rule of thumb as far as I've seen to this point is that if the sale SHIPS to a region for which you ARE registered to collect taxes, you collect them. Otherwise, you do not.

And, usually you only register to collect taxes in the states/provinces in which you have physical DOB addresses.

Naturally, there are always exceptions which vary by industry, and a consultation with your tax professional (accountant) should clarify these issues for you.

I'm setting up a store for a client in Quebec where they have their PST applied on top of the GST.

I used the same setup as noted for Ontario (which I have working super fine on my cart) but it's not charging ANY taxes for Quebec at all when I test it.

I set up the Zones as noted in the instructions and set the Quebec PST to be priority 2 so that it would charge the 7.5% on top of the 6% GST.

I have created 2 test products - one which should have both taxes charged and one that should be PST only.

When I test using a shipping address in Ontario, it charges me 6% GST as it should. :) When I test using a shipping address in Ontario, it should be charging me (on a 10.00 GST/PST item and a 10.00 PST item):

GST: $0.60
PST: $1.55

It comes up with NO TAXES at all.

Is it because the postal shortform is different? IE. it could be QC or PQ? I also tried Quebec in my address...

Thanks!

http://67.19.186.2/~azure

Jennie

While following the very helpful directions written here (Thank you!) I have somehow converted all of my shopping cart buttons to a 'contact us' button link to the "contact us" page. Does anyone know if this is a coincidence? I have also been altering some of the html to customize my pages, maybe that is actually the source of the problem.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

This is nothing to do with taxes.

You changed your Store Status to showcase mode.
Admin->Configuration->My Store->Store Status. Set it back to 0.

Thank you very much!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DrByte

Not built-in at the present time.

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Do you think this would be difficult to do? If I had a bit of a handle on where to start, I would love to play around and see if I could make this work. We have to submit GST and PST returns seperately to totally different places, it is a HUGE pain to go through every order and calculate the GST and PST individually :(

Oops sorry, my last post didn't quote the whole post, just a part of it! What I am wanting to do is show the GST and PST on seperate lines on the invoice. And ideally, have them come up in seperate columns in the Sales Report, but that's probably just wishful thinking :P

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DrByte

Not built-in at the present time.

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I am setting up a Zencart in Canada, and I just want to let everyone know that at least in Quebec, it is not legal to bill people like this.

We're willing to make a donation for a quick patch.
Also, we seem to have a weird bug with compounded taxes when group pricing is enabled, but I don't need that fixed now.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Danielle

Oops sorry, my last post didn't quote the whole post, just a part of it! What I am wanting to do is show the GST and PST on seperate lines on the invoice. And ideally, have them come up in seperate columns in the Sales Report, but that's probably just wishful thinking :P

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Would you be willing to pledge for a fix too? I need this to go live !

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jackal

Would you be willing to pledge for a fix too? I need this to go live !

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I sure would! Anyone out there who can do this? Have you posted in the help wanted section yet?

I just did. We'll see what happens.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Danielle

I sure would! Anyone out there who can do this? Have you posted in the help wanted section yet?

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Thanks for the easy-to-follow instructions! Worked perfectly for me. Why is it that shipping tax can be broken into two lines (GST and PST) but the regular tax can't?? Seems odd that you can do one but not the other.

I'm embarassed to admit that my store has been running for over a year now and I've not been doing the HST correctly. Thankfully, it only amounted to about $40 and it was in the government's favor so I should be ok.

- Steven

Quote:

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Originally Posted by s_mack

Thanks for the easy-to-follow instructions! Worked perfectly for me. Why is it that shipping tax can be broken into two lines (GST and PST) but the regular tax can't?? Seems odd that you can do one but not the other.

I'm embarassed to admit that my store has been running for over a year now and I've not been doing the HST correctly. Thankfully, it only amounted to about $40 and it was in the government's favor so I should be ok.

- Steven

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How did you break the shipping tax into two lines? Also, what do you charge HST on?

I dunno... just came out that way when I was finished following the instructions above. Mind you, I've done a LOT of mods to my site so maybe its not normal. I actualy don't like it... too many bloody lines. I now have it so it combines everything onto one line: "GST + PST: $4.28" and let the customer figure out what part is for shipping if they really care... its not like it is difficult math.

As far as what to charge HST on... EVERYTHING. Anything you collect GST on, you should collect HST on... they are one in the same... no difference at all. The question isn't "what" do you charge it on, its "who". Any customer from NS, NL, and NB - regardless of where YOU do business (as long as you are in Canada). Follow the instructions carefully, it does HST correctly.


Someone above said they are charging taxes to everyone, even those outside of Canada. That's just wrong. As a Canadian business, you *NEVER* collect Canadian taxes on goods destined to any foreign country. You're just ripping your customer off and causing yourself a headache later. Don't do it... take the 35 seconds required to learn and understand zones (or just follow the instructions above) and do it properly.

All Canadians should use the default setting of charging taxes based on shipping address, not billing or store address. You don't need to set up any zones other than what is described above for tax purposes... just follow those steps and you are good to go as far as taxes are concerned.

- Steven

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DrByte

You might find this helpful ... it needs a bit of touching-up, but the basic core is there:

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I've followed these instructions to the letter, and now my product prices are strangely wrong. For instance: I've got a product that, when I view its record in admin, shows retail price Net $18.00, and Products Price (Gross) is $22.86 (apparently 27% tax). In the catalog page for the product, the price states $20.00 (apparently 11% tax?).

Any ideas?

Are you in Canada? If so, the catalog page for the product should show $18.00 because we don't display prices inclusive of taxes here (there is an option for that in the settings somewhere). For Canadian taxes, neither 27 or 11 make sense though. Is this a live site? Can I check it out?

- Steven

Quote:

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Originally Posted by s_mack

Are you in Canada? If so, the catalog page for the product should show $18.00 because we don't display prices inclusive of taxes here (there is an option for that in the settings somewhere). For Canadian taxes, neither 27 or 11 make sense though. Is this a live site? Can I check it out?

- Steven

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I'm in Vancouver. In Admin > Configuration > My Store, "Display prices with tax" is set to false. You can check out http://www.room6.com/index.php - thanks!

Ok, one more thing... can you give me a specific product (that you have stock of) and tell me what price you THINK should be displayed (ie... what you entered in as price in the admin.)?

Because I confirmed that with the prices it DOES show... taxes are calculated correctly.

BTW... Very nice site. I really wish I had a modicum of artistic ability so I could make a creative-looking website like yours. I think far too linear and logical... mine always work well, but they are a slight variation on the standard 3-column box.

- Steven

Quote:

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Originally Posted by s_mack

Ok, one more thing... can you give me a specific product (that you have stock of) and tell me what price you THINK should be displayed (ie... what you entered in as price in the admin.)?

Because I confirmed that with the prices it DOES show... taxes are calculated correctly.

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Sure - check out this product at http://www.room6.com/index.php?main_...roducts_id=256. In the admin, the Net price is set to $14.00 and the Gross price is calculated to $17.78. In the catalogue page, as you can see, the price displays as $15.56.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by s_mack

BTW... Very nice site. I really wish I had a modicum of artistic ability so I could make a creative-looking website like yours. I think far too linear and logical... mine always work well, but they are a slight variation on the standard 3-column box.

- Steven

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Thanks!

If the taxed price in the product-entry page is calculating out to something odd, check that the Tax Class is selected properly, and that your Store Zone (Admin->Configuration->My Store) is correct. That calculation is based on assuming your customers are from the Store Zone region, even though the customers will really be taxed based on their "own" region after they log in.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DrByte

If the taxed price in the product-entry page is calculating out to something odd, check that the Tax Class is selected properly, and that your Store Zone (Admin->Configuration->My Store) is correct. That calculation is based on assuming your customers are from the Store Zone region, even though the customers will really be taxed based on their "own" region after they log in.

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For the product mentioned above, the tax class is set to GST/HST/PST Class. The store zone is set to British Columbia (store is based in Vancouver).

This is an educated guess... currencies. Just the numbers being used that don't make sense with the taxes you've described... is it possible your store currency is set to USD and your users are using CAD? I don't see a selector on your site where I can choose a currency, so I'm wondering if you have that hardcoded somewhere, or if you are perchance using my userCurrency mod and it is being selected for us based on location?

Just a thought

- Steven

Another suggestion... because I am very curious... backup your site completely (for your own peace of mind) then change the admin password temporarily and pm me the username and password so I can take a look. When I'm finished, change the password back.

The backup is there in case you can't trust me :) I won't take it personal.

- Steven

Quote:

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Originally Posted by s_mack

This is an educated guess... currencies. Just the numbers being used that don't make sense with the taxes you've described... is it possible your store currency is set to USD and your users are using CAD? I don't see a selector on your site where I can choose a currency, so I'm wondering if you have that hardcoded somewhere, or if you are perchance using my userCurrency mod and it is being selected for us based on location?

Just a thought

- Steven

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Thanks for the hint on currency. I checked out Localization > Currencies and discovered that although CAD was set to the default currency, its value was still 1.11...the out-of-the-box value I guess. Saved! Mucho thanks.

Aha! Glad I could help. Out of the box, I think the default is USD. When you change that, you have to put a 1.0000 into the value and then re-update the currencies.

So all good now?

- Steven

I'm a bit confused by this thread. I've installed 1.36, and it seems to come with all of the provinces listed already, ready for definitions and rates. Should I ignore this thread, duplicate the entries, or delete the preinstalled ones and insert the ones from this thead?
mark

This thread is talking about how to configure your taxes using the already-created countries+provinces.

If you don't already have the Zone Definitions created (which you shouldn't, given a fresh install), you'll need to follow these instructions insomuch as they apply to your needs.

You will not need to duplicate any "Zones"; merely add new Zone Definitions (not to be confused with the fact that they may be called by the same name as existing Zones).

none of the above... just follow the instructions carefully. You are confusing geographical zones with tax zones... follow to the letter and you'll get it.

[edit] ooops... Dr.B beat me to it :) [/edit]

- Steven

I think I might be missing something with the set up here. I had this tax set up done in version 1.35. We recently upgraded to 1.36 and I have followed the instructions here to a T. However, only GST is showing up when I do a test purchase in Ontario. Any thought as to why this might happen? I've checked everything 3 times over and can't figure it out. Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks. It was more than a bit confusing.
mark

I've followed the directions (and even reset the default tax to be selected when adding a new product:)). I now have two GSTs being added to both the product and to the shipping. Where might I have duplicated?
mark

Problem solve: a combination of a test product with no tax rate set, and "allzones", as MB1 noted above.
mark

Hello,

I have setup my test cart with the correct settings, this is an Ontario location, and I am getting the wrong taxes, for example, $10.00 gives me $11.11

Any reason why?

Bill

Yep - you don't have the correct settings.

Hi
I have installed the latest version 1.37 and i have always had the gst configured as shown on the first page, since my latest upgrade I have noticed Gst not being charged on some of my Canadian orders. I have had orders from Sault Ste. Marie, BC & Cambridge recently that did not get charged any tax, however in the same time frame I had orders from london and they were charged GST.
I have taken another look at my set up and changed my store configuratuion to London after I had added this as a zone, I then tried a test purchase and still no GST out of london, it worked fine before my upgrade, any ideas???
yours Marie

I've checked and rechecked my setup, and I'm positive I have followed the instructions to the letter - but for some reason, the GST on Shipping never shows in my order page. Anyone have any thoughts on something I may have missed? Thanks...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by moxy

I've checked and rechecked my setup, and I'm positive I have followed the instructions to the letter - but for some reason, the GST on Shipping never shows in my order page. Anyone have any thoughts on something I may have missed? Thanks...

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Well, I have no idea what I did, but somehow poking around I seem to have fixed it. If I figure it out I'll post back with a solution.

We have a problem with the shipping taxes not being separated by GST and PST.

We only want to charge PST on shipping when the client is from the province of BC, Canada.

However, the shipping module only allows ONE tax class and we need it for the CANADA GST which gets charged in every province.

How we Charge GST on shipping to all Canadian Provinces and PST on shipping to only BC?

We need to charge the PST and GST seperaty for shipping taxes.

Shane

Follow the instructions at the the top EXACTLY and you will end up with what you want.

I have the exact same situation as you (in BC) and it works perfectly.

- Steven

Quote:

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Originally Posted by s_mack

Follow the instructions at the the top EXACTLY and you will end up with what you want.

I have the exact same situation as you (in BC) and it works perfectly.

- Steven

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Hi Steven,

I am not sure we are talking about the same things.

I do have the EXACT settings at the beginning of this discussion and it does not work for dual taxes on SHIPPING.

We can only charge PST on shipping for customers in BC. But we have to charge GST for customers in all other provinces.

Zen Cart only allows ONE shipping tax class for per Shipping Method.

We essentially, need two shipping classes:

1. GST and PST for BC residents.
2. GST only for residents outside of BC (all other provinces).

Does this make sense?

Yes, of course it does... and yes, that is how mine is set up (except you are missing HST on shipping to Atlantic provinces). That is how it should be set up for ALL BC-based stores. And following the original steps of this thread produces that for me just fine, so I don't know what the problem is.

You don't need more than one shipping tax class... you just need multiple tax rates for that class, based on zones.

I know you're saying you went through it... but all I can suggest is you do it again more carefully. Just (obviously) substitute BC for Ontario, and 7% PST instead of 8%.

You WILL end up with PST+GST being charged appropriately on shipping within BC and GST only being charged on the other provinces (except Atlantic which will, correctly, be charged HST) and no tax on International shipments.

There doesn't appear to be anything special about your circumstances so it will work for you if the settings are exact.

- Steven

Quote:

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Originally Posted by s_mack

I know you're saying you went through it... but all I can suggest is you do it again more carefully. Just (obviously) substitute BC for Ontario, and 7% PST instead of 8%.

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Thanks for pointing that out....

AH, we only had to make one change:

Make the Tax Class Title: GST Shipping Class...


- Tax Class Title: GST Shipping Class
- Zone: BC PST Zone
- Tax Rate (%): 7.0000
- Description: 7.0% PST (shipping)
- Priority: 1

Thank you!

Shane

Ok I am from Westlock,Alberta,Canada,and I an having trouble setting up my taxes. I am a Canadian Only Store.

Alberta Purchase

ex. 3 Items x 4.99 = $14.97 + 10% Shipping of Order Total $1.50 + 6.0% GST = (wrong amount $0.90,should be 0.98) + (how do I add this to the total purchase amount) + 70c Service Charge



Ok my problem is that I need to add the 70c service charge to the cart , plus the 6.0% GST is wrong it should be 0.98 instead of 0.90.??? Shopping cart isn't calaculating it right.

Ok the above post is wrong. the GST is right,but now I need to add a 70 cents Service Charge BEFORE the GST. Any ideas on how to accomplish this??

Yeah... don't. Why bother with a separate service charge??? Just add some small amount to your shipping costs as a handling fee. Don't complicate things for really no reason. People won't even notice a $0.70 increase in shipping but as a service charge they are likely to see you as nickle and diming them. Up to you, but if you insist on doing it your way, you should start a new thread somewhere because it really has nothing to do with this topic.

- Steven

Opps I meant a order processing charge. I figured it out all I had to do was install thw low order fee module and then just chage the wording from low order fee to order processing fee. Also this is for Avon Canada and they require this fee on all there products,even if you aren't selling online.

And what is 70 cents now a day when most people can afford 2007 Trucks,$350,000 homes, $45,000 quads,$50,000 Fifth wheel trailers.:smile: :thumbsup:

They can't afford those things. That's why we have debt problems, unaffordable housing, homeless people, and poor education.

Glad you figured it out!

- Steven

This was mentioned in another thread, but seems to have been overlooked...

What do we do for specific customers who are PST exempt? :blink:

ie.
Customer A, in Ontario, buys product X and pays both PST/GST.
Customer B, in Ontario, buys product X, is PST exempt so only pays GST.

Same product, and same shipping location yet different tax situation. (as if Canadian taxes weren't confusing enough)

Any thoughts?

I don't think its been "overlooked" so much as its just the product isn't really designed for it. I totally see your point though.

In my case, these transactions are VERY far in few in between (only twice in three years) so I just manually adjust after-the-fact by going directly into the database.

Probably what you need is a 3rd party contrib that allows for tax-exempt customers. The contrib would calculate based on one zone, unless tax-exempt is true, in which case it would base it on a different zone. In your case customer B would have a zone of Ontario, but for tax-only calculations would have a zone of Alberta (for example). Something like this may already exist - I'm not sure.

- Steven

Anyone know if there have been any developments as far as displaying GST/PST on separate lines? :dontgetit

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Tully

Anyone know if there have been any developments as far as displaying GST/PST on separate lines? :dontgetit

---

This one is needed. This has kept me from going with Zen and instead I'm stuck with the retarded template system in X-Cart (WTF? are they thinking)

why is it so "needed"? There is no tax requirement (that I am aware of) that requires you to break down the two taxes on seperate lines. In fact, hand written receipts that just say "tax included" are fine... as long as it mathematically is sound, and it is reported properly to the government(s), it really doesn't matter.

So if you have a reason, say so... otherwise "needed" is a bit of an over-statement and if this is the sole reason you are using an inferior shopping cart, well...

"desired" I can understand.

If it is for your own tax reporting purposes, there are simple SQL commands you can use to directly query your database to determine how much GST or PST you have collected.

- Steven

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by s_mack

why is it so "needed"? There is no tax requirement (that I am aware of) that requires you to break down the two taxes on seperate lines. In fact, hand written receipts that just say "tax included" are fine... as long as it mathematically is sound, and it is reported properly to the government(s), it really doesn't matter.

So if you have a reason, say so... otherwise "needed" is a bit of an over-statement and if this is the sole reason you are using an inferior shopping cart, well...

"desired" I can understand.

If it is for your own tax reporting purposes, there are simple SQL commands you can use to directly query your database to determine how much GST or PST you have collected.

- Steven

---

Well the retail industry that I'm is reviewed by Revenue Canada quite a bit. We have to keep strict tax details and records to make it easy for us to deal with audits and to keep them off our backs. But I'll double check with my accountant tomorrow I believe in BC you have to show PST on a separate line.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by s_mack

why is it so "needed"? There is no tax requirement (that I am aware of) that requires you to break down the two taxes on seperate lines. In fact, hand written receipts that just say "tax included" are fine... as long as it mathematically is sound, and it is reported properly to the government(s), it really doesn't matter.

So if you have a reason, say so... otherwise "needed" is a bit of an over-statement and if this is the sole reason you are using an inferior shopping cart, well...

"desired" I can understand.

If it is for your own tax reporting purposes, there are simple SQL commands you can use to directly query your database to determine how much GST or PST you have collected.

- Steven

---

Perhaps the need is from the BUSINESS side and not necessarily from the customer side.

I'm quite sure there are many SQL commands that could be run to get various information out of the database, HOWEVER, they are not readily available or known to the majority of ZenCart users.

When there are multiple taxes calculated on an invoice they should always be indicated separately, period. A breakdown of individual taxes displayed on an order/invoice is NEEDED, DESIRED, and REQUIRED.

It is bad enough that the system does not come with reports to generate this information which means that it must be totaled manually with information taken from the orders. When the taxes are combined, it now involves more steps and more time for something that should have been included in the first place.

Stop quibbling over semantics (need vs. desired) when the best practice is to have them listed individually. :frusty:

Try this... stop demanding crap if you aren't going to contribute.

It is not semantics. A "need" is something that has to be fixed/added or the community collapses. A "desire" is a feature you want that others have been dealing without for YEARS.

I agree it would be nice. And when someone has time and inclination, I'm sure it will get done. Either do it yourself and share it with the community, or pay someone else to do it and share it with the community... or make your REQUEST and be patient.

I'm in BC. I get audited with the best of them. I needed the report and I figured out how to run the SQL command to get it. I'm in the same boat as you, but instead of making demands I learned to stop sweating the little things and educate myself a bit if I can't wait for others to do it for me.

Just a little hint... someone could provide you with the SQL command to run if you'd just ask politely.

- Steven

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by s_mack

Try this... stop demanding crap if you aren't going to contribute.

---

I'll demand anything I want and no where in my post did I "demand" anything except you did in your mind. Now imagine my middle finger in front of your face.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by s_mack

It is not semantics. A "need" is something that has to be fixed/added or the community collapses. A "desire" is a feature you want that others have been dealing without for YEARS.

I agree it would be nice. And when someone has time and inclination, I'm sure it will get done. Either do it yourself and share it with the community, or pay someone else to do it and share it with the community... or make your REQUEST and be patient.

I'm in BC. I get audited with the best of them. I needed the report and I figured out how to run the SQL command to get it. I'm in the same boat as you, but instead of making demands I learned to stop sweating the little things and educate myself a bit if I can't wait for others to do it for me.

Just a little hint... someone could provide you with the SQL command to run if you'd just ask politely.

- Steven

---

I don't want to be running no sql commands I'd like the receipt/checkout to show GST/HST and PST on seperate lines. Most other carts that support the CDN tax system have this already.

Talked to my accountant and she said were better off having all taxes on seperate lines.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by s_mack

Try this... stop demanding crap if you aren't going to contribute.

---

What demand? No DEMANDS have been made, and this issue was simply re-raised from a post that originated over a year ago.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by s_mack

It is not semantics. A "need" is something that has to be fixed/added or the community collapses. A "desire" is a feature you want that others have been dealing without for YEARS.

---

Well, in the US, it isn't an issue. In Canada it is. This issue has moved from 'desire' to 'need' for people using ZenCart in Canada - whether they realize it or not.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by s_mack

or make your REQUEST and be patient.

---

The issue has now been officially requested on the SourceForge site.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by s_mack

someone could provide you with the SQL command to run if you'd just ask politely.

---

Nah, apparently I'm too demanding to ask politely. *shrug*

Ok well I will step in with my opinion about the separate taxes.

I would love to have the taxes on separate lines. I tried to do it myself, but I am just not knowledgeable enough with php to do it.

I have a separate invoicing system that we produce invoices on when a customer e-mails or calls us. We don't want to add them on line because we have all of their customer information in the off line system and some of them do not use the internet (if you can believe that) :p.

Anyway, at the end of each month I hand add my Total sales, GST, PST, and shipping and put it on a spreadsheet so I can submit my PST and GST easily. I am a clerk at my real job, so doing this job is about 1 hour a month and at tax time, I do a print out and write a cheque.

Because Zencart does not separate the taxes, I now have to manually calulate the pst and gst on each invoice and write them down before I start. This will add at least an hour to my month.

I don't need them separate, but it would be so great. I know I can run a sql report, but then I have to run the report and only add some of the items when doing my totals. If are a keypuncher you understand that the less you have to think, the faster and more accurate you are.

One last point, some of my customers would like to actually see how much pst and gst they are paying. It is a perception thing. No they don't need it, but they would feel more comfortable seeing them separate. Hey and I am all about making my customers happy if it is possible. A smooth trouble free and clear transaction is where I want to get to.

Again, no it is not required by law, no one "needs" them separate, but it would be great if they were. Yes I could pay for it, but it is hard to justify the $300.00 I was quoted (by at least 3 people) to do it.

Just my opinion, Pat

Well I'm done the x-cart farce (what a waste of time that was) and gonna start designing Zen cart to fit the new site I'm building. I'm willing to put in money in for the changes needed to show taxes on separate lines. I'm still not 100% sure on Zen but will be back once I retest it some more

Odd thing is happening with a stock 1.3.7.1. When I set up the store with the instructions one the first post and use Ontario as stated, taxes show up fine in the gross price when adding/updating a new/old item and adding a new net price.

But if I substitute Ontario for BC and set the store zone to BC, the gross price gets double taxed at 13%.

Any ideas?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by evolver

Odd thing is happening with a stock 1.3.7.1. When I set up the store with the instructions one the first post and use Ontario as stated, taxes show up fine in the gross price when adding/updating a new/old item and adding a new net price.

But if I substitute Ontario for BC and set the store zone to BC, the gross price gets double taxed at 13%.

Any ideas?

---

Hmm I guess I'll have to read up more on the cart. When I login as an user and go to check out I get the proper taxes. When I set the price under admin the gross price is PST/GST * PST/GST

Why is that?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by evolver

Hmm I guess I'll have to read up more on the cart. When I login as an user and go to check out I get the proper taxes. When I set the price under admin the gross price is PST/GST * PST/GST

Why is that?

---

In the admin, the "helper" that shows the taxed price has a quirk that causes it to aggregate all taxes when displayed on that particular page. It's only a display thing, and has been fixed for v1.3.8.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DrByte

In the admin, the "helper" that shows the taxed price has a quirk that causes it to aggregate all taxes when displayed on that particular page. It's only a display thing, and has been fixed for v1.3.8.

---

Ahh thanks for the info.

DrByte
Can you help me? I would like to show Ex. VAT or Inc. VAT after the price in the product page is it possible and how can I achieve it?
Thanks a Bundle

Quote:

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Originally Posted by evolver

Now imagine my middle finger in front of your face.

---

That's the first time someone's gone off at me like that and I didn't get pissed or just ignored it... lol, I laughed. I never heard that before - very original. Good one. (if that sounds sarcastic, its not... I really did find it funny).

Still, it pointedly shows what I'm talking about. You type rudely... you are demanding... and its not going to get you anywhere. Nobody, I found out from experience, is going to respond to the way you are asking and you may as well just STFU if you aren't going to be more constructive.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by evolver

I don't want to be running no sql commands I'd like the receipt/checkout to show GST/HST and PST on seperate lines. Most other carts that support the CDN tax system have this already.

Talked to my accountant and she said were better off having all taxes on seperate lines.

---

Fine. Don't then. It was a possible in-the-mean-time solution for you and your accountant. Be lazy, don't get the data you want... and you're still no better off. You want it now, you don't want a work around, FU to anyone that gets in your way... blah blah blah. All I'm saying is that its not the way you want it, it has been (more and less politely) suggested in the past... I'm sure they'll get to this LOWER PRIORITY item sooner or later, or hopefully some Canadian programmer will make a contrib for it. I say "lower priority" because Canadians are the only ones that need it (AFAIK) and they make up a small percentage of the total users. The core code is always going to take care of the majority first.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Tully

What demand? No DEMANDS have been made, and this issue was simply re-raised from a post that originated over a year ago.

---

More tactfully, yes. I'm pretty sure I was one of them too (and likely one of the less tactful, which is why I can give the "be polite" advice from experience - I learned the hard way).[/quote]

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Tully

Well, in the US, it isn't an issue. In Canada it is. This issue has moved from 'desire' to 'need' for people using ZenCart in Canada - whether they realize it or not.

---

Preaching to the choir my friend. I run a Canadian business too... and I too WANT this. By no means do I need it. Aunt Samantha doesn't require it, so I don't need it. My point was, is, and will remain to be: Canadian ZC users have been dealing with it for years, how is it suddenly a need?[/quote]

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Tully

The issue has now been officially requested on the SourceForge site.

---

Excellent, thank you for reporting.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Tully

Nah, apparently I'm too demanding to ask politely. *shrug*

---

And it got you exactly nowhere. If the solution does present itself, it will be due to someone more respectful of the community (see below).

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by pdprenty

I would love to have the taxes on separate lines. I tried to do it myself, but I am just not knowledgeable enough with php to do it.
...

I don't need them separate, but it would be so great. I know I can run a sql report, but then I have to run the report and only add some of the items when doing my totals.

...

One last point, some of my customers would like to actually see how much pst and gst they are paying. It is a perception thing.

...

Hey and I am all about making my customers happy if it is possible. A smooth trouble free and clear transaction is where I want to get to.

...

---

Now THAT is how you request a feature! Clear reasoning that shows the developers a) situations where the current structure doesn't cut it (offline accounting/data entry) and b) an over-ridding goal that will be further reached by the addition of the feature (making customers happy). Good on you Pat. Hopefully that will help someone make the appropriate effort to get 'er done.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by pdprenty

at the end of each month I hand add my Total sales, GST, PST, and shipping and put it on a spreadsheet so I can submit my PST and GST easily.

---

Ok, so since you are using a spreadsheet anyway, can't you use math to break it down for you so you don't have to type it out manually.

Lets say you are in BC. You have 6% GST and 7% GST. Assuming (and I think we can) that ZC gets it right, you should be able to simply have a column for "tax" and input exactly what ZC spits out. Then have column next to it for GST with a formula like:

Code:

---

=A1*0.06

---

and in the next column for PST have a forumla like:

Code:

---

=B1-C1

---

This is assuming you are using Excel, that column A has your sales and B has your taxes (so C has GST and D has PST). GST just takes your sales and times by 6%. PST takes your tax and subtracts your GST leaving you with the PST... zero if it is out of province, and 7% if it is a BC sale.

I used to teach classes on Excel so if you need any help with that, I can certainly do that - PM me.

Again, it doesn't solve the problem in ZC but hopefully it helps you in your particular case.

- Steven

Hi Steven, you said:
Ok, so since you are using a spreadsheet anyway, can't you use math to break it down for you so you don't have to type it out manually.

Actually I just put the totals on a spreadsheet. I have a few hundred invoices a month, I would hate to put each one of them onto a spreadsheet.

I use an adding machine and go through the invoices four times, adding Totals, Shipping, PST and GST (HST). Then I put just the totals onto the spreadsheet.

As I said, I am a data entry clerk, so it really is only an hour a month to total them. You would have to be or know a data entry clerk to understand how fast you can go, I amaze myself sometimes.

If I was to put the invoices on the spreadsheet it would take me several hours to do.

Because the PST and GST are totalled together, I will be going through the invoices to calculate the individual amounts and writing the PST and GST on the invoice before I total them.

Pat

Even still, it would be much much much much much much faster if you made a simple spreadsheet with just four columns as I described, and data entry clerked them full of the sale, tax (as shown by ZC), GST and PST and then copy the columns down. That way, you don't have to manually calculate each one. I figure it would save you the time on the calculator more than anything... not saying it solves your entire problem. Think of it as a simpler calculator that takes full advantage of your data entry skills... the whole working smarter, not harder (or faster) thing. Just trying to help.

- Steven

Hi again Steven, I appreciate that you are trying to help, but believe me, I know of which I speak.

In my work I deal with excel spreadsheets every day, most of them I created. I have been using them for over 10 years and I am pretty good. I understand their worth, and I would do what you suggest if it made any sense to do that.

In fact, I spent 4 days putting together a series of spreadsheets two weeks ago just to be able to look at the impacts of some figures in different scenarios. I really do get how useful excel is. If there were any use for the data to be on an excel spreadsheet I would do it.

I can total all of my invoices going through them 4 times to get my separate totals faster than I can data enter half of my invoices onto an excel spreadsheet.

Bottom line, putting my information onto a spreadsheet would take me longer and with more effort than what I do now, and it would not benefit me in any way to have the information on and excel spreadsheet. It really doesn’t make sense for me to do that.

Thanks Pat

You'll find that the suggested configuration ends up including both the GST (currently at 6%) AND the HST (currently at 14%) for Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and New Brunswick shipping addresses.

The solution is simple, though: as the HST for these provinces includes the GST, the three provinces should NOT be included in the Canada GST Zone. That way, the only tax rate which will apply is the HST.

Hope that helps others in Canada trying to set this up!

Gary Hanrahan
Halifax, NS

No, that is not correct. I use the original suggestion shown here, and if you follow it correctly it will charge only the HST to those provinces. That's why the GST zone is called "GST (except Eastern Canada: NS, NB, NL)" and those provinces are specifically excluded from the definition.

- Steven

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Danielle

Oops sorry, my last post didn't quote the whole post, just a part of it! What I am wanting to do is show the GST and PST on seperate lines on the invoice. And ideally, have them come up in seperate columns in the Sales Report, but that's probably just wishful thinking :P

---

First time poster here - I have come up with a way to split the GST and PST onto separate lines (for both products and shipping) and I have posted it as a contribution called SplitTaxLines. Assuming that I have submitted it properly, it should be available for download as soon as it gets approval from the ZenCart team.

Figuring out what needed doing was a pain, but in the end it only required modifications to 3 files.

Hope this is helpful to other Canadian ZenCart users!

Awesome, alanhigg! I was just looking for a way to do this myself, glad to see that someone got it done :)

I just searched for this contrib and couldn't find it yet, anyone know about how long it usually takes to get these approved?

usually a couple hours. Either he didn't submit it (properly); its not called "SplitTaxLines" as stated; the admin messed up; or it was so bad they didn't approve it (and I think they approve just about anything) :)

- Steven

Hey all,
Anyone care to help me figure out why my SplitTaxLines contribution still hasn't appeared? I followed the submission instructions and got a confirmation email from the ZenCart team saying 'thanks for your contribution' but then... nothing. I also emailed the team directly to inquire about it and haven't received a reply.

Is it accepted practice to just keep re-submitting until it appears in the list? I don't want to be a nuisance...

For all those wanting to try SplitTaxLines in the mean time, send me an email and I'll get it to you directly.

Alan

My contributions (including very recently) are active usually in a couple hours. So maybe its something you've done or method you used, etc about your contrib that isn't being accepted. Send it to me by pm and I'll take a look at it and see if you've followed the regular format.

But no - obviously you don't just keep reposting it.

- Steven

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by alanhigg

Anyone care to help me figure out why my SplitTaxLines contribution still hasn't appeared?

---

Our apologies ...

There were some concerns about it during initial review ... esp since it alters non-overridable core code files. Re-reviewing it hasn't happened yet since efforts have been focused on releasing 1.3.8.

It's not forgotten. I'll see if we can review it again today.

As to s_mack's comment about recent contribs ... often a contrib "update" will be activated long ahead of "new" contribs, partly because its content is already known.

And, s_mack is correct ... resubmitting, unless something's wrong in the initial submission, will only frustrate things.

But this is now way off topic for the current thread.

Thanks s_mack for offering to review it for me, and DrByte, for shedding some light on the situation. It seems that SplitTaxLines is now available for download!

Just to reiterate DrByte's important comment about SplitTaxLines: *it alters core code files*. Please be very careful installing it and make sure that you give it a good testing before you even think about using it in your live store.

Enjoy!
Alan

MODERATOR NOTE: AND ALSO NOTE ... SplitTaxLines is currently built for v1.3.7.1 -- Don't use it on other versions without much careful attention.

MODERATOR NOTE: Please carry on all discussion related to the "SplitTaxLines" mod in its support thread:
http://www.zen-cart.com/forum/showthread.php?t=82117

Thanks for moving my post DrByte, I wasn't sure where it should go.

Pat

Ok...I have my two taxes combined (as per original post in this thread)...everything "seemed" to be working fine...until...someone made an order. Now regardless of what someone orders...the combined tax totals 1.29...no matter how much the order!!! I've gone over it and over it, and can't for the life of me see what the problem is!!

Any ideas??

Thanks!!!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by torrence

Ok...I have my two taxes combined (as per original post in this thread)...everything "seemed" to be working fine...until...someone made an order. Now regardless of what someone orders...the combined tax totals 1.29...no matter how much the order!!! I've gone over it and over it, and can't for the life of me see what the problem is!!

---

Since you said it's using one tax amount regardless of your choice of products, could it be that it's only taxing your "shipping" ?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DrByte

Since you said it's using one tax amount regardless of your choice of products, could it be that it's only taxing your "shipping" ?

---

Good call!!! Thanks! (Funny how ya miss the obvious when you've stared at it too long!!!)9.95 shipping = 1.29 tax! Yup! That's it...now...to find out why it isn't doing the product tax...grrrr...

Found it...ALL my products had "Tax Class" "none", rather than Tax Class = GST/HST/PST. Tested and it works fine now! woo hoo!!!

Thanks much for pointing me in right direction!!!